The Lafayette Ledgerhttps://LafayetteLedger.org
The Student News Site of Lafayette High SchoolSat, 17 Mar 2018 20:18:30 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4The Madness Beginshttps://LafayetteLedger.org/5036/sports/the-madness-begins/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/5036/sports/the-madness-begins/#respondFri, 16 Mar 2018 13:06:14 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=5036Close games, overtime, buzzer beaters. Anything can happen in March. The journey to the NCAA D1 Basketball Championship began last night with 8 teams playing for their shot to make the first round. With the field officially set, the climb to the finals starts tonight.

This year’s college basketball season saw teams such as Kentucky, Louisville, Notre Dame, and other perennial powerhouses fall. While old school programs like Villanova and Xavier rise to the top. Nova and Xavier are two of the four #1 seeds in the tournament, with Kansas and Virginia taking the other #1 seeds. Virginia was given the #1 seed overall as well, as they look to return to the Final Four for the first time since 1984. Xavier has yet to make the Final Four in its program history, despite having more wins than any other program yet to reach the Final Four. The Kansas Jayhawks are win their 4th title and first since 2008. Known for their play in the tournament, they’ve made the Elite 8 the past 2 years and have been to the Final Four 14 times in program history. Villanova is the favorite to win the tournament, having the easiest path to the Final Four, won the National Championship 2 years ago in 2016. Each team’s goal is to raise the trophy and climb the ladder to cut the net down to keep a piece for the rest of their lives.

Squilliam Darling High School basketball players look forward to filling out a bracket and trying to predict the winner.

68 teams enter the tournament, but only one will leave victorious. “Win or go home” is the mantra of each team, and with each win, they are closer to their ultimate goal. The victors will be remembered in history, but the losers will be forgotten. Welcome to March Madness.

thevapeon.com This is a pack of juul mint pods found on juuls website. these pods are what gives the flavor to the juul itself.

The juul was invented in 2007 by two Stamford grads, James Monsees and Adam Bowen. They were both smokers of cigarettes and had a goal to create an alternative to smoking cigarettes. They achieved this goal when they invented the Juul, a type of e-cigarette designed to help smokers slowly turn to a safer method of nicotine delivery.

Over the past year high school and college students have been using juuls because they think its safe and fun. The opposite is true, in fact. A juul pack contains 4 pods and each pod contains 5% nicotine, equivalent to a pack of cigarettes, according to juulvapor.com. In the state of Virginia it is legal to purchase a juul at the age of 18 but you cant buy one online until your 21. This means that eighteen year olds are buying juuls in stores and selling them to minors.

The nicotine from the juul activates part of the brain and makes the brain feel happy and pleasure. This is what makes juuling so addictive because it makes people feel happy when doing it. Although juuls have less chemicals than cigarettes they still include glycerol, propylene glycol, natural oils, extracts and flavor, nicotine and benzoic acid.

Not only is it addictive, its also very expensive. The juul device itself costs $35-$50 depending on what kind you get, the juul pods cost $15 for a pack of 4. On average each pod lasts one or two days before you have to use another. If a person used three pods a week they would be spending $2,160 a year on pods, and a 5 year habit would cost $10,800. The pods come in all different flavors, including mango, cool mint, fruit medley, creme brulee and cool cucumber. Having so many flavors makes this product even more appealing to young people.

Juul needs to find a way to help addicted smokers without getting high school and college students addicted to nicotine. Maybe this will be a trend that dies out, or it might be a turning point where a new generation grows up addicted to smoking.

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4990/news/juul-want-to-know-about-this/feed/0Dick’s Supporting Gun Controlhttps://LafayetteLedger.org/4981/news/dicks-supporting-gun-control/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4981/news/dicks-supporting-gun-control/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 14:35:53 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4981Nineteen-year-old Nikolas Cruz went on a shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and killed 17 people. The gun he purchased, an AR-15 semi-automatic-style weapon, was from Dick’s Sporting goods. The gun is a highly deadly, military-inspired rifle. This gun has also been used by other mass shooters, like the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook massacre.

In Florida there is no waiting period for buying an AR-15, ut there is a three-day waiting period for purchasing a handgun. Not only is there no waiting period, but the State of Florida does not require the soon-to-be gun owner to obtain a license to buy a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. Additionally, in Florida anyone over the age of 18 is able to buy a gun with the conditions that they fill out an identification form and pay for an eight-dollar background check. Considering these circumstances, it is likely Cruz faced little challenge when purchasing his weapon.

Dick’s CEO Ed Stack, in an interview, said the company would no longer sell assault-style firearms or high-capacity magazines. “We’re taking these guns out of all of our stores permanently,” Stack said https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/dicks-sporting-goods-guns-assault-rifle . He also announced that Dick’s would impose a ban on sales of guns to those under age 21.

This change was brought on by the knowledge that the shooter purchased his firearm from the local Dicks Sporting Goods. The store sold him the gun by the book, butafter hearing news of the shooting, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. came to the decision to end the sale of all assault-style weapons in its stores. This is huge considering that the store is one of the largest sports sellers. Not only did they pull those weapons, they raised their age requirement to 21 years. Additionally, they are removing items from its website that resemble similar weapons including non-lethal airsoft guns and toys.

Stack moreover urged Congress to act comprehensively not only on background checks but also on mental health and other solutions.

Other stores followed suit, including Walmart, which stopped the sale of AR-15 guns and other semi-automatic weapons and accessories in 2015, but now has raised the age minimum to 21 years. Other stores, including Chubb, Best Western, Delta and Hertz have all cut ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is ready for and aware of the backlash they may receive as a result of this decision, but their position will not change. Stack, a gun owner himself, supports the second amendment but believes that based on what has happened in our recent history, there needs to be change.

By Igor at work (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons This was the gun used in the Parkland, Florida shooting, which sparked the big changes in the company.

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4981/news/dicks-supporting-gun-control/feed/0Black Panther on the Risehttps://LafayetteLedger.org/4961/entertainment/black-panther-smashing-records/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4961/entertainment/black-panther-smashing-records/#respondFri, 09 Mar 2018 14:53:01 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4961The Disney- Marvel movie Black Panther hit theatres on February 16 and has broken many records. As of right now Black Panther is the 9th highest grossing movie ever (domestic) at $506.4 million. It is behind great films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Avatar, and The Dark Knight. Being in the same conversation as those outstanding films proves how good it is. The film is also making noise worldwide with a gross of $909.8 million. The weekend of March 9thBlack Panther will open up in China and is expected to easily pass the $1 Billion mark. Also, the movie so far is the 7th highest grossing superhero movie worldwide. The movie helped the month of February get to its highest gross for movies ever, at $1 Billion. Out of the $1 Billion, Black Panther had 43% of the sales.

Black Panther had made tons of money, but that isn’t because it is just any good movie. It’s due to the roles of black actors in the film playing African people. The movie is based on the people of Wakanda, a fictional country in Africa, and their leader, King T’Challa played by Chadwick Boseman. These roles have made many African-Americans proud and feel more in touch with their culture. In fact, the film is the highest grossing film ever with a Black director, Ryan Coogler. Also, a blockbuster black super hero film like this has never been seen before which is drawing the eyes of viewers all over the world.

Black Panther is so good that people have set up fundraisers and gofundme’s for less fortunate youth to see the film. There is a specific fundraiser called the ‘Black Panther Challenge’ that started to help Harlem Kids see the film. The fundraiser has raised $775,000. Now kids in 50 countries all over world will be able to see the cultural wonder that Black Panther is.

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4961/entertainment/black-panther-smashing-records/feed/0March Madnesshttps://LafayetteLedger.org/4945/sports/march-madness/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4945/sports/march-madness/#respondFri, 09 Mar 2018 14:43:52 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4945Now that the month of March has come around again it’s time to look at the madness coming our way. For those who don’t know what March Madness is, it’s a time of the year where college basketball teams come together and play in a tournament that lasts throughout the month of March. 68 teams compete in a seven round single elimination tournament for the national championship. There are two ways a team can get into the tournament: first, if the team is eligible for post season play or wins their conference championship they qualify; second, a team may be invited to the tournament by the selection committee. The committee is able to choose 36 other teams to compete in the tournament, along with the 32 teams that qualified.

The best part about March Madness is making a bracket for yourself. According to the American Gaming Association almost 70 Million brackets are filled out every year by 40 million Americans. ESPN offers up a free bracket system where you can make an account and go head to head with your friends and their brackets. They even offer up $1,000,000 to anyone who can get the bracket 100% correct. So far nobody has ever filled out a perfect bracket and the tournament has been going on since 1939. Even though the chances of winning are small it is still a very fun month to follow college basketball.

Phil Roeder The Kansas Jayhawks had a free practice for anyone to come watch. The Jayhawks were ranked first in the tournament in 2016 so many people came out to watch.

Selection Sunday

N/A

March 11

First Four

Dayton

March 13-14

First/Second

Pittsburgh

March 15 & 17

First/Second

Wichita

March 15 & 17

First/Second

Dallas

March 15 & 17

First/Second

Boise

March 15 & 17

First/Second

Charlotte

March 16 & 18

First/Second

Detroit

March 16 & 18

First/Second

Nashville

March 16 & 18

First/Second

San Diego

March 16 & 18

Midwest Regional

Omaha

March 23 & 25

West Regional

Los Angeles

March 22 & 24

South Regional

Atlanta

March 22 & 24

East Regional

Boston

March 23 & 25

Final Four

San Antonio

March 31, April 2

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4945/sports/march-madness/feed/0Walkout Scheduled for March 14thhttps://LafayetteLedger.org/4956/news/walkout-scheduled-for-march-14th/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4956/news/walkout-scheduled-for-march-14th/#respondFri, 09 Mar 2018 02:28:15 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4956In light of the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida, part of a nationwide school shooting epidemic, Lafayette students have been working with administrators to organize a walkout. The walkout will take place on Wednesday, March 14, at 10 AM (during 2nd block). It will last 17 minutes to symbolize the 17 lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Students walking out at Lafayette will join thousands of other high schoolers around the nation, including those at Jamestown and Warhill, in a movement coordinated by the group of activists behind last year’s Women’s March.

Although no ticket is required to walk out, students wishing to participate are encouraged to purchase a handmade orange ribbon. The ribbons, which will be sold at all three lunches through Tuesday, cost $1. All proceeds will be donated to relief efforts in Parkland.

The walkout has no explicit political purpose, so every student, regardless of opinion, is welcome to join the movement. Many students are planning to make posters in support of their cause. Some will use the 17 minutes to voice support for stricter gun laws, some will raise awareness for mental health issues, and some will use the time simply to remember the victims. Despite diverse perspectives, the walkout looks to be a moment of unity for Lafayette’s student body.

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4956/news/walkout-scheduled-for-march-14th/feed/0Adidas vs. Nike: Which is the better brand?https://LafayetteLedger.org/4938/sports/adidas-vs-nike-which-is-the-better-brand/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4938/sports/adidas-vs-nike-which-is-the-better-brand/#respondThu, 08 Mar 2018 14:55:48 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4938Nike and Adidas are the two most prominent athletic sportswear companies globally. With Adidas recently taking Jordan brand’s spot as the second best selling brand in the United States, it’s time to decide which brand is superior, Nike or Adidas.

Criteria:

Originality: Adidas is known for its originality. From the Ultraboost to Kanye’s line of Yeezy’s, no one shoe from Adidas is the same as another. The technology became so popular that Nike tried to replicate it with its Flyknit line.

Quality: Regarding quality, Adidas is at the forefront. With their boost technology, Adidas provides comfortably and stability at a fraction of Nike’s cost. Their shoes are also built to last, unlike Nike, which are damaged at the first sign of inclement weather

Endorsements: Currently, Nike is killing Adidas in terms of endorsements. Kendrick Lamar, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Neymar Jr; these are all respectable icons supported by the brand. That, along with their partnerships with the NBA, U.S. Olympic Team, and the NFL, is why Nike is far superior in terms of endorsements.

Price: Again, Adidas is dominating in terms of price. Their shoes never retail at more than $220. Nike, meanwhile, has shoes priced in the thousands. The price, along with the quality of their shoes, makes Adidas better in this category.

Marketing: Marketing wise, Nike has the upper hand. Their infamous “Just Do It” slogan is a staple of popular culture, not to mention that their advertisements are enjoyable to watch. Adidas marketing strategies, meanwhile, are completely formulaic and not compelling.

Winner: Adidas

With its originality, quality, and price; Adidas beats out Nike in a landslide. Even though no company compares to Nike’s endorsers and marketing strategy, Adidas’ products are provided the consumer with a better experience. With that, Adidas is the better lifestyle brand.

By DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr – https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3127835/170127-d-gy869-006, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59529703 President Trump has expressed interest in arming teachers

The recent school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida has reignited the debate on gun control in the United States. Some are calling for “common sense gun control,” such as more thorough background checks, as well as regulation of bump stocks and assault style weapons. These calls have not been unanswered, as stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods has stopped selling assault style weapons, while Walmart has stopped selling guns to people under 21 years old.

All of these are steps in the right direction, but we need legislation that will keep guns out of the hands of those who will inflict harm on masses of people. So far, there have been efforts made by private companies but none made by our own government to prevent these mass shootings.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in arming teachers as a deterrent against school shooters. However, I don’t think the solution to this problem is to arm more people. If teachers are armed it will only make matters worse. This is because kids get their hands on everything. Just ask any parent and they will confirm that kids find everything. Children having access to firearms is a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, armed teachers would require training and firearms licenses, both of which take time and money. Why not put that toward other resources so markedly missing from America’s classrooms, such as textbooks and additional staffing?

For so-called fiscal conservatives, this seems like a waste of money and resources that doesn’t address the problem. Instead of throwing more gasoline on the fire we should put the fire out. We need to keep guns out of the hands of those who would do us harm, instead of arming more people.

Preparing for the intriguing and sentimental concert, a member of the Jazz Band is adjusting his drums. The audience was captured by the special concert to honor Black History.

]]>https://LafayetteLedger.org/4873/news/lafayettes-2018-black-history-month-assembly/feed/0White House Loses Hopehttps://LafayetteLedger.org/4904/news/white-house-loses-hope/
https://LafayetteLedger.org/4904/news/white-house-loses-hope/#respondWed, 07 Mar 2018 15:16:05 +0000https://LafayetteLedger.org/?p=4904After testifying before the House Intelligence Committee about the alleged collusion between the Trump Administration and Russia, Hope Hicks resigned from her position as Communication Director.

Ms. Hicks, a former model, started out with the Trump family working as Ivanka Trump’s personal apparel and licensing brand assistant 6 years ago, at the age of 23. When Donald Trump brought her on board for his Presidential campaign, it was because she was already a trusted insider, rather than for her experience in government. Before she resigned, she was the cabinet member who spent the most time with the President. But just like many of Trump’s closest aides before her, she was involved in many controversies and ultimately resigned.

The current White House Aides say that her resignation had nothing to do with going before the House Intelligence Committee and that she had told them days before that she planned to resign. Hicks reportedly didn’t like Washington DC and didn’t want to be a part of its culture of politics. The White House will now be looking for a new Communications Director, but few will be as trusted as Hope Hicks and have the President’s ear as she did.